Personal Care Aides
SOC Code: 31-1122 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities or illness who require help with personal care and activities of daily living support (e.g., feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation). May also provide help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry. Work is performed in various settings depending on the needs of the care recipient and may include locations such as their home, place of work, out in the community, or at a daytime nonresidential facility.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Personal Care Aides. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City, NV | $25,854 | $36,317 | $46,758 | $57,221 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $42,349 | $45,261 | $48,173 | $51,085 |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area | $40,539 | $43,597 | $46,634 | $49,691 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $40,290 | $43,306 | $46,322 | $49,338 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $36,171 | $40,539 | $44,907 | $49,275 |
| Grants Pass, OR | $36,941 | $40,997 | $45,032 | $49,088 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $42,162 | $44,470 | $46,758 | $49,067 |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area | $40,539 | $43,368 | $46,197 | $49,026 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $39,562 | $42,682 | $45,822 | $48,942 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $39,624 | $42,661 | $45,698 | $48,734 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Service Orientation | 4.0 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.9 | |
| Active Listening | 3.4 | |
| Monitoring | 3.2 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.2 | |
| Coordination | 3.1 | |
| Speaking | 3.0 | |
| Time Management | 3.0 | |
| Instructing | 3.0 | |
| Active Learning | 2.9 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| English Language | 3.6 |
| Transportation | 3.4 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.4 |
| Psychology | 3.4 |
| Education and Training | 3.4 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.2 |
| Food Production | 3.0 |
| Therapy and Counseling | 3.0 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 47.8% |
| Associate's degree | 22.5% |
| Less than high school | 17.5% |
| Some college | 6.2% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 6.0% |
Typical Tasks
- Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of registered nurses or physiotherapists.
- Administer bedside or personal care, such as ambulation or personal hygiene assistance.
- Prepare and maintain records of client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
- Perform housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, or running errands.
- Care for individuals or families during periods of incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care, or help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
- Instruct or advise clients on issues, such as household cleanliness, utilities, hygiene, nutrition, or infant care.
- Participate in case reviews, consulting with the team caring for the client, to evaluate the client's needs and plan for continuing services.
- Provide clients with communication assistance, typing their correspondence or obtaining information for them.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
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